Spathiphyllum named `Lynise`

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a new and distinct variety of Spathiphyllum which is particularly distinguished by having rapid growth and a propensity to sucker as compared to related plants. The plant is a selection from the cross Mauna Loa `Alice`×floribundum (seed parent) and wallisi (pollen parent).

The invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllumknown as Spathiphyllum hybrida `Lynise`.

The new cultivar is a product of a planned program carried out by BondCaldwell of Babylon Nursery, Brooksville, Fla. The parents are (MaunaLoa `Alice`×floribundum) (seed parent) and wallisii (pollen parent). Thecultivar was discovered and selected from the progeny of the statedcross by Mr. Caldwell. Asexual propagation by division (Mr. Caldwell)and by tissue culture (Hartman's Plants, Inc.) was used to increase thenumber of plants available for evaluation and to demonstrate thestability of the distinguishing combination of characteristics fromgeneration to generation.

The following observations, measurements and values describe plantsgrown in Brooksville under greenhouse conditions that closelyapproximate those generally used in horticultural practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and arecharacteristics that in combination distinguish Spathiphyllum hybrida`Lynise` from other Spathiphyllum of the general type i.e. Mauna Loa`Supreme` and `St. Mary's`. Mauna Loa `Supreme` and `St. Mary's` aretrademarks of Olgesby Lab, Inc.

DISTINCTIONS

1. Medium large Spathiphyllum of smaller size than `St. Marys's` andapproximately the same size but somewhat taller than `Supreme` beingapproximately 0.7 meters to 1.0 meters in height and approximately 1.0meters to 1.4 meters in width when fully mature in a 15 gallon pot.

2. White flowers, the spathe being approximately 20 cm to 28 cm inheight and approximately 9.0 cm to 12.00 cm in width standing above thesoil surface 0.9 meters to 1.1 meters to the base of the spathe in a 15gallon container.

3. Closely spaced prominant veins giving a more corragated appearancethan `Supreme` or `St. Mary's`. The veination pattern described above isapparent in all of the leaves of mature size on `Lynise` withoutsignificant exception, although there may be a few gaps in the patternin some of the leaves. Some cultivars such as `supreme` may have a fewleaves that partially approximate the pattern. When the plants areviewed as a whole, however, they are clearly distinguishable.

4. The petiole, midrib and primary veins are stiff enough to resistwilting due to moderate water stress as compared to `Supreme`.

5. The lower leaves are rounder than `Supreme` giving the mature plant afuller appearance.

6. Lynise` suckers more than `Supreme`.

7. Lynise` does not pale as much as `Supreme` during the winter.

8. Lynise` has thicker leaf blades than `Supreme`.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The single FIGURE of drawing depicts a single specimen of `Lynise` inapproximate sideview, with six spathes present in various attitudes andstages.

DESCRIPTION

(All color references are measured against The Royal HorticulturalSociety Colour Chart).

Origin: Seedling.

Botanic classification: Spathiphyllum hybrida `lynise`.

Propagation: Asexual reproduction either through tissue culture ordivision.

Plant: In a 15 gallon pot, `Lynise` will be at the mature size ofapproximately 0.7 meters to 1.0 meters in height and approximately 1.0to 1.4 meters in width after approximately 50 weeks to 62 weeks underthe appropriate growing conditions from tissue culture.

Leaves:

Form.--The leaf blade is simple elliptic with an apice having aristatetendencies and a cuneate base.

Size and width.--Leaf blades of a mature sized plant will beapproximately 35 cm to 45 cm in length and approximately 12 cm to 20 cmin width.

Petiole.--The petiole will be approximately 32 cm to 45 cm in heightfrom the soil surface to the base of the leaf blade. The petiole will be6 mm to 10 mm in diameter.

Texture.--Leaves will be less glossy than `St. Mary's` or `Supreme`.Leaves will be somewhat stiffer and thicker than `St. Mary's` or`Supreme`.

Veins.--Well defined, closely spaced sunken veins giving a corragatedappearance. Well defined veins on mature sized leaves are approximately6 mm to 10 mm apart and stand prominately out on the abaxial side. Thispattern may not be evident in leaves less than the mature size. Thisveination pattern is distinct from the veination pattern of `St.Mary's`, but may be approximated by a few leaf sections of `Supreme`.

Color: Mature leaf: Adaxial side 147A, 137A. Abaxial side 137B, 137C.

Immature leaf: Adaxial side 138C, 138B. Abaxial side 147B.

Inflorescence:

Immature.--The spathe is tightly rolled around the spadix and extrudesfrom the petiole sheath. The spathe is fully open approximately when thepedicel is fully elongated approximately 0.9 meters to 1.1 meters fromsoil surface to base of spathe.

Mature spathe:

Size.--The spathe is approximately 20 cm to 28 cm in height andapproximately 9.0 cm to 12.0 cm in width.

Color.--The color is 155D turning to 138B as the spathe matures.

Arrangement.--The spathe stands up on straight wiry pedicels and opensvertically above the leaves.

Shape.--The spathe is roundish to oval with an aristate apice. It isslightly cupped.

Flowering time.--After approximately 9 months to 11 months from tissueculture for an untreated plant and depending on season, 1 to 3 blossomsare present. Smaller blossoms may occur on less mature growth.

Reproductive organs:

Spadix.--Size: Approximately 7 cm to 10 cm in height and approximately18 mm to 25 mm in diameter. Color: 158C changing to 147A as the spadixmatures.

Stamens.--Anthers and filaments not clearly visible.

Pollen.--158C in color.

Pistle.--158C in color, protruding between the staminate flowers, firmlyfixed to the main axle. The pistilate flowers extend approximately 2 mmto 4 mm beyond the staminate flowers.

Roots: White fleshy main roots with finer laterals.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

Spathiphyllum `Lynise` is a faster growing Spathiphyllum than cultivars`St. Mary's` or `Supreme` that suckers as a mature single plant andforms a dense mass when propagated from tissue culture clumps. It ismedium green, about the same color as `Supreme` but darker than `St.Mary's`. It is about the same size but taller than `Supreme` and smallerthan `St. Mary's`. `Lynise`, in combination with the characteristicsdescribed above, is a unique new cultivar.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllum as describedand illustrated.